A person who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall make such reports as are required by law. Family Code 261.101(a)

If a professional has cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected or is a victim of indecency with a child, as described in Penal Code section 21.11, that person shall make a report as prescribed above not later that 48 hours after the hour the person first suspects that the child has been or may be abused or neglected or is a victim of indecency with a child, as described in Penal Code section 21.11. Family Code 261.101(b)

Information in Report

The report
shall contain the name and address of the child, the name and address
of the person responsible for the care of child, if available, and any
other pertinent information. Family Code 261.104

Immunity from Liability

A person who reports or assists in the investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect, other than a person reporting his or her own conduct or reporting in bad faith or with malice, is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. FamilyCode 261.106

To Whom Reported

These reports shall be directed to any of the following:

1. Any local or state law enforcement agency:
2. The Child Protective Services division of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.

Family Code 261.103

Failure to Report

A person commits a class B misdemeanor if he or she has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report it as provided by law. Family Code 261.109

Interview with Students

Authorized officials conducting a child abuse investigation shall be permitted to conduct the required interview with the child at any reasonable time at the child's school.Family Code 261.302(b)

Reporting Policy

The District shall adopt the policy developed by TEA governing child abuse reports. The policy shall provide the cooperation with law enforcement child abuse investigations without the consent of the child's parents if necessary, including investigation by the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.

The mission of the Dickinson Independent School District is to ensure that all students have safe and successful learning opportunities that help them reach their full potential and add quality throughout their lives.